Canillas de Albaida seen from the trail.
Canillas de Albaida is a charming white village located 576 meters above sea level in the Sierra Tejeda natural park. Its 800+ residents exist principally by growing avocados, olives and moscatel grapes for raisins and wine. Kitchen vegetables are also grown on ancient irrigated terraces, for local sale and consumption. Most of the work is still done by hand, with mules used for ploughing and carrying.
The village is a centre for hiking and today we joined ten other members of "Joan´s" walking group from Nerja and Frigiliana for a three hour walk, taking in the "Fabrica de Luz" where the mountain stream is harnessed to generate electricity. The circular route finally requires a descent across a delightful valley to bridge the stream, before a last climb back up to the Village.
The village is a centre for hiking and today we joined ten other members of "Joan´s" walking group from Nerja and Frigiliana for a three hour walk, taking in the "Fabrica de Luz" where the mountain stream is harnessed to generate electricity. The circular route finally requires a descent across a delightful valley to bridge the stream, before a last climb back up to the Village.
Joan´s happy band of hikers
Old cortigo on the roadside
The winter sunshine set-off the scenery beautifully, and although we were not wildlife watching Elena did spot a family group of Ibex on the white rock of an old limestone quarry. Although I only had my "holiday snap" lens on I did manage a few reasonable shots as the light was good and the animals were not too concerned about our presence.
Spanish Ibex - capra pyrenaica
Spanish Ibex male - capra pyrenaica
Crossbill juvenile - loxia curvirostra
Apart from crag martins on the surrounding rock faces, the only other bird of note was this solitary young brown Crossbill, sat high on a wire above us, looking for all the world like a sparrow until its profile view revealed the crossed beak, for crunching and stripping pine cones. I attach two archive shots of this superb species taken not far away in Alcaucin, showing how colourful and distinctive they can be.
 Crossbill adult female - loxia curvirostra |  Crossbill adult male - loxia curvirostra |
Small Copper - lycaena phlaeas
The wooded valley revealed some late-season butterflies, including this Small Copper, a diminutive but beautifully marked insect which simply glows in the bright sunlight.
Chris, Bob and Dennis on the back trail.
A very pleasant walk in delightful surroundings and good company, was rounded off with a nice meal in an excellent village restaurant.
Hasta luego Canillas de Albaida.
